Day 26: Matthew 6-9

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:36 NIV)

My daughter is not a fan of bedtimes. As a compromise, we sometimes let her lie in our bed and read until she falls asleep. Then my husband has the task of picking her up and taking her to bed. It’s so endearing to see her lanky body swung over his shoulders with her arms and legs swinging helplessly from side to side.

The kind of “harassed and helpless” the Bible talks about in Matthew 9 goes way beyond a sleep-induced, tired state. It’s probably more like what us moms can relate to. A feeling of utter exhaustion. You know, that feeling you have when you’ve had it. When you’re so tired you don’t even know which way to turn.

Spiritually speaking, we can also be harassed and helpless, flailing here and there with every new proposition the world throws at us. But it need not be that way.

We don’t have to be tossed about by the latest thoughts on parenting, or the latest social media changes, or even the emotional and physical changes our body goes through.  

We have a Shepherd who sees our harassed and helpless souls and has compassion. In the midst of uncertainty, He longs to guide, protect and renew us. Jesus wants to be the one constant in our lives, offering us stability, hope, peace and grace.

If we keep our eyes on the Shepherd, we will find fresh servings of hope and even the energy to face each new day. Start by putting Him first and watch how He will take care of you and all the details of your life.

Follow the Shepherd and allow him to renew you today.

​-Marva